From luxurious formulas to anti-ageing ingredients, these are the best buys for soft, moisturised skin
Whatever your age and whatever the season, hand cream is non-negotiable. Forever on show yet often neglected, your hands are constantly exposed to the elements as well as enduring regular handwashing and sanitising. Taking good care of them with the right hand cream means you’ll avoid dryness, irritation, and premature ageing.
What to look for in hand cream
Look for hydrators such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, emollients such as shea butter and jojoba oil to soften, and occlusives - or ceramides - to lock in moisture. The "hand-facial" trend is all about treating your hands with ingredients that go beyond simply moisturising. Key actives include vitamin E for protection, aloe vera for soothing, and retinol to promote collagen production.
Best overall hand cream:
Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Body and Hand Lotion
As you’d expect from a Jo Malone London hand cream, this formula smells divine, absorbs readily and conditions your hands for up to 8 hours’ moisturisation. An all-rounder in a beautifully ribbon-tied box that gives birthday present vibes.
Best luxury hand cream:
Diptyque Velvet Hand Lotion
Expensive, yes, but worth it for its deeply moisturising properties – thank you golden immortelle flower essential oils. This air-light lotion from Diptyque has a subtle yet long-lasting scent, and the bottle is one you’ll proudly display.
Best hand cream for dry skin:
Best hand cream for dry skin:
L'OCCITANE Shea (Karité) Hand Cream
If your hands tend to be dry (or in danger of cracking), this much-loved L'OCCITANE cream is a saviour. Shea butter softens and replenishes the skin barrier, coming to the rescue of even the roughest hands. Buttery soft here you come.
Best hand cream for hands and nails:
Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream
Clarins’ non-greasy yet intense formula is gentle enough for regular use but transformative when used overnight. You’ll wake up to deeply hydrated, protected and repaired skin and nails. All that plus the brand’s unmistakable, uplifting scent.
Best hand cream for frequent hand washing:
CHANEL La Crème Main Texture Riche Nourish-Protect-Illuminate Bottle
Rich and delicately scented, CHANEL’s on-the-go hand cream is the one you need to avoid the havoc that comes from regular hand washing. As well as instantly replenishing hands, its unique design is perfectly handbag-sized and squeezable, effortlessly fitting into your busy day.
Best scented hand cream:
Le Labo Hinoki/Shea Butter Hand Pomade
This plant-based formula from Le Labo contains shea butter, sweet almond and peony root to protect and repair hands. With the unmissable, statement-making scent of Japan’s hinoki trees, this warm and long-lasting scent will see people asking you what perfume you’re wearing.
Best SPF hand cream:
Hello Sunday The One for Your Hands SPF 30
Your hands give away your age if you don’t protect them. Hello Sunday’s ultra-light, quick-absorbing formula – without much scent – shields hands from both UVA and UVB, and it’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to help repair damage.
Best hand cream for anti-ageing:
Margaret Dabbs Intensive Anti-Ageing Hand Serum
An award-winning hand serum from Margaret Dabbs, formulated with hempseed oil to boost skin elasticity and collagen levels, soy isoflavones to target age spots, and lupin seed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Apply overnight and let it work wonders.
Best hand cream for a spa-like experience:
Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Recovery Hand Balm
With over 97% natural ingredients, including rice milk to leave the skin feeling supple, plus powerful microbiome-friendly actives, this hand balm is rich and luxurious. Added bonus: the unmistakable Rituals spa aroma of sweet cherry blossom.
Best fast-absorbing hand cream:
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment
Prepare to start a long-term relationship with this skin-loving goodness, especially if you experience dry skin in winter. This intensive formula cocoons your hands, leaving skin supple, cared for and lightly fragranced with the Elizabeth Arden signature Eight Hour® scent.
How do I apply hand cream?
Whenever hands feel dry, or immediately after hand washing, apply a pea-sized amount onto slightly damp skin, focusing on the backs of your hands, knuckles and cuticles. Allow the cream to fully absorb into the skin. For more intense hydration, apply a thick layer before bed.
